During a surprise hearing from the January 6 Committee, ex-White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson testified before the committee about former President Donald Trump‘s actions leading up to the insurrection.
Prior to the violence, Cassidy explained that Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Trump were notified that many attendees at the Ellipse rally were carrying weapons. Trump was reportedly disappointed that those carrying AR-15 rifles were not allowed to join the crowd.
Hutchinson said Trump was “furious” that the crowd was not as large as expected.
A loyal aide to Meadows, Hutchinson could hear conversations between Meadows, Trump and other White House staffers.
Standing close, Hutchinson overheard a conversation between Trump and his security officers: “I was in the vicinity of a conversation where I overheard the president say something to the effect of, ‘I don’t f—— care that they have weapons. They’re not here to hurt me. Take the f—— mags away. Let my people in.'”
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) reiterated after Hutchinson’s testimony that “President Trump was aware that a number of the individuals in the crowd had weapons and were wearing body armor.”
In another blow to Trump, Hutchinson mentioned a conversation she had with Meadows as the protesters turned violent.
“He doesn’t want to do anything,” Meadows said to Hutchinson. “He thinks Mike deserves it. He doesn’t believe they are doing anything wrong.”
Earlier, before January 6, Meadows said to his aide he was worried “things might get real, real bad on January 6.'”
To add to the mounting incriminating evidence, Hutchinson was told about Trump’s breakdown in his presidential limo. Trump attempted to grab the steering wheel of the car, which a Secret Service agent was driving. Expecting to walk with his supporters to the Capitol, Trump became “irate” when his security refused his orders.
“I’m the f—- president; take me up to the Capitol now,” Trump said.
After the agent refused to let Trump steer the car towards the Capitol, Trump lunged at the agent with his free hand.
The claim by Hutchinson has not been disputed by those in the limo with Trump.
